Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have officially split. Photo / Getty Images
Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have officially split. Photo / Getty Images
Zayn Malik and his supermodel girlfriend Gigi Hadid have gone their separate ways after more than two years together.
Hours after reports first emerged that Zayn, 25, and Gigi, 22 - who were recently rumoured to be engaged - made the decision to split, the pop heartthrob took to hisTwitter account on Tuesday evening to confirm the news, the Daily Mail reports.
His post read: "Gigi and I had an incredibly meaningful, loving and fun relationship and I have a huge amount of respect and adoration for Gigi as a woman and a friend. She has such an incredible soul.
"I'm grateful to all of our fans for respecting this difficult decision and our privacy at this time, we wish this news could have come from us first. We love you all. xZ."
Just 11 minutes after Zayn put out his post, Gigi released her own statement on the micro-blogging site, writing: "Breakup statements often seem impersonal because there is really no way to put into words what two people experience together over a few years.. not only in the relationship, but in life in general.
"I'm forever grateful for the love, time, and life lessons that Z and I shared. I want nothing but the best for him and will continue to support him as a friend that I have immense respect and love for. As for the future, whatever's meant to be will always be. xG."
According to The Sun, the couple made the decision to split after their busy schedules added strain and distance to their high-profile romance.
A source told the newspaper: "They are no longer a couple but they do remain close and are supportive of each other. The reality is that they've grown apart, having been together for a long time. They have crazy work schedules that would put pressure on any relationship."
The source continued: "This is definitely the end for now, but this isn't a bitter split and they both have respect for each other. It's a mutual decision so no one has completely ruled out a reunion in the future, but for now that's not where their heads are at."
